By Mary Lee Montague
When people ask me the “secret” to career success, they usually expect a complicated formula: advanced degrees, powerful connections, or years of experience. While those things certainly help, I’ve found that two often-overlooked qualities can carry you further than you think: showing up and curiosity.
Showing Up: The Foundation of Growth
Half the battle in career development is being present. Whether it’s attending a networking event, volunteering for a stretch project, or simply arriving prepared for a meeting—showing up consistently signals reliability and commitment.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be the loudest in the room. You simply need to be there, engaged, and willing to contribute. Many opportunities are missed not because someone lacked skill, but because they weren’t visible when it mattered.
Curiosity: The Engine of Innovation
Showing up is the foundation—but curiosity is what propels you forward. Curiosity keeps you learning, asking better questions, and discovering new possibilities. It shows that you’re not satisfied with “how things have always been done” and that you’re ready to adapt in a changing world.
Employers value curiosity because it drives problem-solving. It demonstrates you’re not just performing tasks—you’re thinking critically about how to improve processes, embrace new tools (like AI), and deliver better results.
Why They Work Together
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Showing up opens the door.
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Curiosity helps you explore what’s inside.
Together, they create a reputation of someone who is dependable, engaged, and always growing—a powerful combination for any career stage.
A Simple Challenge
This week, commit to one action that reflects both qualities:
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Say yes to showing up at a meeting, event, or learning opportunity you might have skipped.
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Ask one curious question that pushes a conversation or project forward.
You’ll be surprised how quickly these small steps add up—and how far they can take you.
Final Thought:
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. And you don’t need to know everything—you just need to want to learn. Showing up and curiosity will get you a long way.
As your strategic advisor my mission is to help ensure you’re prepared for interview success—whether it takes place around a traditional boardroom table or via videoconference. Through The Montague Method, I’ll share my Secrets from a Search Consultant™ to help you land your first or next C-suite position. Explore the rest of my website to learn more and schedule a complementary 20-minute exploratory consultation.